TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida is seeing one of its worst dengue fever outbreaks in decades — and the surge has now claimed a life.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed the death Friday, without providing additional details. The Tampa Bay Times reported the victim was an elderly Tampa woman who died Sept. 4.

More than 130 locally acquired cases have been reported in Hillsborough County this year, far above the handful typically seen.

“This is wildly unusual for us,” county spokesperson Chris Wilkerson told The Associated Press.

State health officials have reported 152 locally acquired dengue cases statewide this year, already the second-highest total on record. Nearly 200 cases were reported in 2023.

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Dengue is spread by mosquitoes and can cause fever, headaches and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can lead to bleeding, shock and death.

Hillsborough County mosquito crews are spraying day and night and checking properties for standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Recent mosquito testing has not detected the virus, suggesting the risk of new infections may be declining, officials said.

Still, University of Florida associate professor Michael von Fricken told The Associated Press that dengue could become increasingly common in Florida as virus-carrying mosquitoes remain widespread.

“I do think it’s going to be somewhat the new normal,” he said.